REPAIRS to voids beneath Bournemouth's main bus stop are to start on January 22, the council says.

As previously reported, the southern side of Gervis Place beside the Lower Gardens is cordoned off while council workers investigate and make repairs.

Initially, officials said work should be completed by January 31. However, the work is now expected to finish in early February.

The road will be closed from the Westover Road junction for some 110 metres to the Old Christchurch Road junction while work takes place.

Four bus stops in the affected area - stands T, U, V, and W - have been temporarily relocated to the western side of Westover Road, adjacent to the gardens. The police bay and part of the taxi rank has been closed for the temporary bus stops.

The taxi rank has been temporarily relocated to the eastern side of Westover Road.

Gary Powell, head of traffic management for Bournemouth council, said: "A number of voids - where loose or un-compacted ground or unfilled cavities have been detected - will need to be filled.

"We apologise for any inconvenience the partial closure will cause, which is necessary to enable us to fully resolve the issue.

"The road will not re-open until appropriate repairs have been completed.”

For details of changes to bus stops for m1, m2, 13, 16, 17, 32, 50, U4, X1, X2, X3, X6 visit morebus.co.uk or call 01202 338420.

Morebus operations manager Richard Wade said: "We understand surveys have revealed a void underneath the carriageway, and fully appreciate that Bournemouth council acted swiftly on expert option advising them to stop using the area.

"The work requires specialist contractors and materials, and is likely to begin at the end of this month.

"This is due to be followed by some surface treatment, which we welcome because it will provide smoother approaches to bus stops.

"It’s very important that all those using the area work together to make sure disruption is kept to an absolute minimum.

"We ask that other road users keep the area around our temporary bus stops clear, so our services can operate effectively - and to ensure the safety of those travelling with us.

"We completely understand the importance of this work, and would like to thank our customers for their patience during this period."

The Yellow Buses service X37 (Bournemouth – New Milton) will not stop in Gervis Place. It will instead operate from Westover Road. No other Yellow Buses stops will be altered.

David Squire, managing director of Yellow Buses, said: “We accept that these are essential works being carried out in Gervis Place.

“We are doing our best to mitigate any delays to customers using our services caused by the road being partly obstructed.

“Our operations staff are monitoring the situation on a daily basis in order to reduce any delays.”

Contact Yellow Buses on 01202 636110 or email wecanhelp@yellowbuses.co.uk